Keysight's new VXG microwave signal generators are aimed at more demanding broadband millimeter wave (mmWave) applications for satellite and 5G communications, and reduce test setup complexity and path losses present in over-the-air (OTA) test environments.
Many 5G New Radio (NR) implementations utilize wider channel bandwidths and activate antenna systems operating in mmWave frequency spectrums to support multiple inputs and outputs (MIMO) and beamforming technologies. The 3GPP compliance testing for wireless networking components and equipment intended to operate at mmWave frequencies must be performed in over-the-air (OTA) test environments.
Keysight's new VXG microwave signal generators address the next frontier of cellular technology with these benefits:
• Provide an optimized 5G NR test system configuration that enables dual-channel 44 GHz vector signal generation with up to 2 GHz RF modulation bandwidth and phase coherence in a single test instrument.
• Deliver low path loss in OTA test systems by combining industry-leading output power with superior error vector magnitude (EVM) and adjacent channel relative power (ACPR) performance.
• Accelerate product development by integrating Keysight's PathWave Signal Generation, a suite of software with access to a wide range of 5G NR signals that meet the evolving 3GPP standards for testing mobile terminal base stations, receivers, and transmitters.
“We are delighted to introduce the first dual-channel microwave signal generator up to 44 GHz with a 2 GHz bandwidth, available in both modular and test bench form factors,” said Joe Rickert, Vice President of R&D for Keysight’s High Frequency Measurement Division. “The VXG’s ultra-low phase noise, high output power, excellent modulation, and low distortion make it an ideal signal generator for a wide range of wireless communications applications, as well as for the defense, commercial, and aerospace industries.”
Keysight's VXG signal generators offer wireless equipment designers and manufacturers a wide range of advanced features, including:
• Unmatched RF performance that optimizes measurement integrity and minimizes uncertainty across wide bandwidths in the millimeter wave frequency range.
• A new graphical user interface for 5G NR that delivers an optimized experience in creating standards-compliant test signals.
• A user-focused (modular and multi-touch) interface that offers identical technical features while addressing the unique needs of both manufacturing and R&D environments.
Keysight's 5G waveform analysis and generation testbench solution leverages the enhanced capabilities of the VXG microwave signal generator for 5G development teams to efficiently validate new designs in Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2), as defined by 3GPP. The testbench solution uniquely addresses the challenges of 5G NR compliance testing and enables Keysight to rapidly integrate new technology into market-ready solutions, allowing customers to act quickly and be first to market.
